ELSA — The message around Edcouch-Elsa is “winning the trenches.” Dominate the offensive and defensive lines. Control the battle up front.
And the reason for that is simple. The Yellow Jackets have no choice.
With only five returning starters, second-year coach Joe Marichalar’s team has as much uncertainty as talent. The quarterbacks are raw. The running back used to be an outside linebacker. The wideouts have skill, but desperately need game time, just like the linebackers and secondary.
When Marichalar looks at his offensive and defensive lines, however, he not only sees promise but strong, physical ability. There is also a lot of that, which helps.
“The depth there kind of puts you at ease,” Marichalar said. “Seeing what we’ve seen, we know these kids can get it done in the trenches. And with the quarterbacks being young back there, they have to. We just need them to get that experience.”
On the offensive line, it starts with 6-foot-4, 256-pound guard Gabriel Armendariz, the lone returning starter. He will be surrounded by center Jayson Munoz (5-11, 230), tackle Miguel Quintana (6-1, 255) and guard Elijah Sanchez (5-7, 220). Armendariz’s job is mainly to bring the others, like 6-5 senior tackles Marco Garza and Michael Orozco, along sooner than later.
“It pushes me harder, being the only returner,” Armendariz said. “I’m just trying to help these young guys. We have to get them ready. I have faith in our guys that they’re going to do the best they can.”
Indeed, Armendariz thinks this year’s line can be better than last year’s veteran unit.
“We’re more vocal,” he said. “We communicate more. We’re fast. We’re going to be able to get around guys.”
O-line coach Frank Martinez sees the same, and wide receiver Chon Hernandez said the offensive line is so good that there will be more passing from the ’Jackets this season because of its ability to hold blocks longer.
“The guys that are coming up are young, but are showing a lot of potential as far as working with the other kids,” Martinez said. “Other years, it’s taken awhile for kids to work together. This year, they’ve started working well together real fast.”
Defensively, the line is anchored by 6-2, 270-pound tackle Ray Dinnall-Guerra. A lot is expected of Dinnall-Guerra, who has his goals set on playing Division I college ball, and he has responded.
“Ray became a leader this offseason,” defensive line coach Martin Marichalar said. “He was here all summer, he didn’t miss a day. In years past, he would miss. But he committed himself and he’s a true leader now.”
Dinnall-Guerra will be joined by tackle Gabriel Rodriguez (5-10, 254) and defensive end Alex Garza (6-1, 215), all seniors.
“I’ve had these kids since they were freshmen,” Martin Marichalar said. “They’re going to be seniors, so the big thing is technique. It’s way better, and they should be able to compete at an even higher level.”
On paper, the Yellow Jackets look thin. In reality, however, coaches say this is as strong of a team talent-wise as last year’s. There is more depth, stronger physical talent. Game-planning and personnel packages will be key for Edcouch-Elsa, mixing and matching just right to get the most bang for the buck.
“The obvious is we’re a young team, but watching these guys you see kids who are picking up things fast,” Joe Marichalar said. “We had good success in spring ball, got all the wrinkles out and now they’re into it. Hopefully it transitions to game time.”
SOMETHING NEW
Edcouch-Elsa has always had team captains, but this season Joe Marichalar took it further. Four captains were voted upon for this season, and each will wear a ‘C’ on his jersey with four gold stars underneath. The emblem is something that has never been done at the program.
“Hopefully we build a new tradition and these guys take it to a whole other level,” Marichalar said. “We’re hoping to get a domino effect for the betterment of the team.”
Senior running back Lino Sanchez will probably be the main captain, Marichalar said, because of his unselfishness of moving from outside linebacker, his strong suit, to the offensive backfield. The other three captains are Dinnall-Guerra, Hernandez and Rodriguez.
“I feel I have a bigger responsibility toward the team,” Hernandez said of being captain. “I can’t just be a better player for me, but for the team. I’m excited about it. I know this is my last year and I want to make a statement, I want us to make a statement.”
QB BATTLE
The Yellow Jackets have had a quarterback battle since last season ended, and recently Marichalar listed his depth chart. Junior Andrew Segura is No. 1, followed by sophomore Marco Aguinaga, junior Marco Gomez and senior Phillip Moreno.
“It’s a big responsibility, and I’ve got to work hard,” Segura said. “It’s a lot of competition, being the No. 1 guy to help lead this team farther than where we got last year.”
Segura is regarded as a breakaway runner with great speed who can also throw. Aguinaga is poised beyond his years and gets rid of the ball quickly, and Gomez is the best passer. Moreno is a gritty, get-it-done type.
“It’s a tight race,” Marichalar said. “They’re all good, all can start at any school. But based on our offense and things we do, we decided the depth chart puts us in position to be successful. It’s not set in stone. I told the guys when they get their moment to shine, seize the moment. We’re evaluating on a daily basis.”
Either way, the four will be on the field. Gomez and Segura also play tight end, and Aguinaga and Moreno are receivers.
SURPRISES
Two surprises in camp this summer have been junior safety Tay Valdez, whom Marichalar sees as a “two-way guy” in the like of former standout Diego Garcia, and senior defensive end Jesus Tinajero.
“His technique is great, and he worked hard all summer,” Martin Marichalar said of Tinajero. “He’s going to show off this year.”
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PROGNOSIS
Edcouch-Elsa has a lot of potential, but it’s a matter of how quickly that can pay off under the Friday night lights. Still, the Yellow Jackets are always a threat to compete for the district title and it’s generally unwise to take them lightly.
2014 Record: 7-4
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TENURE
Coach: Joe Marichalar
Years at school: 2
Record at Edcouch-Elsa: 9-2